After Britain, US considers Libya rebel embassy

Washington: The United States said on Wednesday it was reviewing a request by Libya`s rebels to open an embassy in Washington, following Britain which expelled diplomats from Muammar Gaddafi’s regime.

State Department spokesman Mark Toner said the rebel National Transitional Council on Tuesday submitted a formal request to open what the United States would consider Libya`s embassy to the United States.

Toner indicated that the United States was sympathetic to the request -- major powers recognised the rebels as Libya`s legitimate representatives this month -- but needed to sort out practicalities such as accreditation.

"They did send an official request regarding the reopening of their embassy and we`re reviewing that request. And we`ll work through these issues," Toner told reporters.

Ali Aujali, who was accredited as Libya`s ambassador, defected from the Gaddafi regime in February as violence erupted and affiliated himself with the National Transitional Council.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague on Wednesday invited the council to appoint an ambassador and expelled remaining diplomats loyal to Gaddafi.

After his announcement, rebel supporters unfurled the red, black and green flag of the Libyan opposition outside the embassy where the regime`s green flag still flew.

In Tripoli, Gaddafi`s deputy foreign minister Khaled Kaaim denounced Britain`s move as "irresponsible, illegal and in violation of British and international laws”.

Britain and France have spearheaded the campaign against Gaddafi`s regime launched in March, when the United Nations approved action to protect civilians.